BBCC allows variance for school additions

Architect Glenn Angelle was cleared to proceed with final design work for two classroom additions at Breaux Bridge Jr. High. Limited campus space and the desire to preserve a large oak tree require that the additions encroach on the 20’ setback along Martin Street.
The additions will house two classrooms each, and will be added at each end of the existing building adjacent to Martin Street. Also part of the design is a new resource room structure, as well as a fence and walkway along Martin street. The council agreed to change the setback requirement to ten feet.
But the council denied a variance request to change a 60-foot right-of-way at the entrance to the new Atchafalaya Trace subdivision. The developer built a wall at either side of the entrance that extends into the right-of-way, and was seeking a reduction to a width of 36 feet.
City Engineer Chris Richard told the council that allowing the variance would not absolve the city of liability. The right-of-way requirement is intended to ensure safety by providing a margin for cars that may accidently leave the roadway.
District D councilman Gary “Bimmie” Champagne said, “We would like to help you, but as an official of this city, I can’t approve the change.” District D representative Glenn M. Angelle added, “The liability question definitely gives me cold feet.”
The council denied the variance and the contractor must remove the portion of the wall that is within the right-of-way.
Also, the council approved a resolution allowing Mayor Ricky Calais to apply for a state “Brownfield” grant which provides funding to study sites which have development potential that is limited by the perception of environmental hazards.
The two main sites in Breaux Bridge that would be studied are the old rail yard area and the old sugar refinery site along Rees Street. The grant would provide $300,000 to assess the actual degree of hazard and feasibility of a clean up to allow development.
Besides those sites, the city will choose as
many as three smaller ones for study. No matching funds are required from applying cities to receive Brownfield grants.
Finally, Calais reported on several ongoing public works projects:
•Work has begun on sidewalk construction along Refinery Street. The project is predicted to be complete by early November.
•Water and sewer lines are being extended to the location of the new Camping World-Gander Mountain retail and service center north of I-10. The center will employ as many as 150 workers when it opens early next year.
•Improvements have begun at Carl Williams Park. The work there is being funded by the city’s share of the parish recreation bond passed last December.
•City hall is under repairs to remedy problems with the brick facade and framing of the north wall. The $60,000 job should be complete by the end of October.
•Tree planting and finishing touches are all that remains to be done to complete improvements at Veteran’s Park. The installation of service branch medallions on the fencing and
a walkway area composed of bricks engraved with service member names will be added soon.
Families of war veterans will be able to purchase the commemorative bricks to be engraved and installed. The city will provide information as soon as the particulars are finalized.